Marawi siege compensation claims now worth P17 billion —Hataman

More than 4,700 claims worth P17.46 billion have been filed before the Marawi Compensation Board, House Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman said on Wednesday.

Hataman thus disclosed as he sought an increase of the P1 billion set aside for the compensation of those whose lives had been affected by the five-month Marawi Siege in 2017.

He said the MCB had informed the Senate and House that it already received a total of 4,762 filed claims from July 4 to August 31 alone.

“This translates to roughly P17.46 billion for claims filed in just two months,” Hataman said.

The said financial aid is provided for under the Marawi compensation law which grants compensation to the victims for the loss and destruction of property as well as loss of lives due to the Marawi siege.

Specifically, any owner of residential, cultural, commercial structures, and other properties in Marawi’s most affected areas or other affected areas who met the requirements is entitled to receive tax-free compensation from the government.

Hataman and House Committee on Appropriations senior vice chairperson Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo agreed that the P1 billion was not enough to fund the payment of the claims.

Quimbo, the sponsor of the proposed P5.768 trillion budget for 2024, said that the Department of Budget and Management would adjust the funding for the said compensation once the claims are validated.

“We will assess based on the submission of the MCB of a validated list,” Quimbo said.

Hataman pressed if this meant that all the validated claims would be funded.

Quimbo answered, “Yes, as long as these are validated.”

Hataman welcomed Quimbo’s commitment and expressed high hopes that the DBM and the House of Representatives appropriations panel would follow through.

“Matagal naman nang naghintay ang ating mga kababayang taga-Marawi na muling bumalik sa normal at ibangon ang kanilang gumuhong dignidad at mga tahanan. Hangga’t hindi sila nakakabalik sa kanilang mga tirahan at hindi naitatayo ang kanilang mga tahanan, patuloy ang bangungot para sa kanila,” Hataman said.

(They have been longing for their normal life and recovery from the tragedy that wrecked their dignity and homes. As long as they are yet to build and return to their home, this is a continuing nightmare.)

“Hangad nating magkaroon na ng closure ang mga biktima ng digmaan sa Marawi. Sana ay madagdagan na ang alokasyon para sa Marawi Compensation Program at maka-move on na sila sa kanilang mga buhay,” he added.

(We wish for closure for the victims of the siege, and I hope that the allocation due them will be given so they can move on.) —NB, GMA Integrated News